Breed AppearanceThe breed is a typical hunting pack hound, with a lean and muscular body, long legs, slightly domed head, long drop ears, and slightly
square flews that just overlap the lower lip. The color of the coat is white and black, with a black mantle, sometimes speckled or ticked with black or blue. Pale
tan dots are above each eye as well as tan on the cheeks, below the eyes and ears, and below the tail. Sometimes a tan marking is found on the base of the upper thigh,
which is called the 'roe buck mark'. The breed is noted for its perseverance on the hunt as well as a good nose and voice. Unusual for pack dogs, it is friendly and easy
for humans to manage.

Breed DescriptionHead: Fairly large and long. Slightly domed skull. Slight stop (pronounced in the French Tricolor Hound and the French White
and Orange Hound). Nosebridge slightly curved. Flews covering the lower lip. Nose black or orangish-brown in the White and
Orange.Ears: Turning slightly, reaching almost to the base of the nose when outstretched.Eyes: DarkBody: Powerful. Neck fairly long and strong. Chest taller than it is wide. Slightly rounded ribs. Slight tuck-up.Tail: Fairly thick at the base and fairly long, carried gracefully.Hair: Lying close to the body, fairly thick, and dense. Finer in the Tricolor.Coat: White and Black: must be white and black with a large mantle or fairly large black spots. Black, steel-grey, or even
tan flecks only on the legs. Pale spot above each eye and pale tan markings on the cheeks, below the eyes, under the ears,
and at the base of the tail. As in the Gascon Saintongeois, �deer markings� on the thigh are fairly common. Skin is white
under white hair and black under black hair, sometimes with blue or pale blue blotches on the abdomen and inner thighs.-
Tricolor: white and fawn (rich or even coppery tan) with black mantle. Wolf grey hair is tolerated.- White and Orange: white
and lemon or white and orange, as long as orange is not too dark or reddish. Skin white with yellow or orange spots.Size: White and Black: dog: 65 to 72 cm( 25,5-28 in) ; bitch: 62 to 68 cm (24,5-26,8 in) .Tricolor: dog 62 to 72 cm (24,5-28 in);
bitches 60 to 68 cm (23,5-26,8 in).Tricolor, White and Orange: 62 to 70 cm ( 24,5-27,5 in).Weight: Approx. 30 kg (66 lb).

HistoryThe French Hound, descended from ancient French breeds, comes in several varieties that differ in coat color:- The French
White and Black Hound, descended from two breeds from southern France, the Saintongeois and the Blue Gascony Hound, with a
splash of Foxhound blood. The variety was officially recognized in 1957;- The French Tricolor Hound, a recent creation
(1957) produced by crossing the Anglo-French Tricolor Hound with the French Hound. Crosses were made with the Poitevin, the
Billy, and possibly the Blue Gascony Hound. The French Tricolor Hound is sturdier and not quite as fast as the Poitevin.
The standard for this variety was officially recognized in 1965; and- The French White and Orange Hound, very rare, was
developed in 1978 through crosses with the Billy.

BehaviorThese dogs are hardy, brave, and able to maintain a swift pace for several hours. With a good voice and keen sense of smell,
they hunt confidently in packs. Their work is meticulous. They specialize in deer. They require a firm owner they can accept
as the leader of the pack.

HealthKnown as a very hearty breed.

AdviceNothing should keep the French Hound from living with his owner. A kennel is recommended for more than one dog in the country. He needs
regular brushing and attention to the ears.